Job | Outreach Specialist, OHY (HIV, STD, Hepatitis): Harlem United

Outreach Specialist, OHY (HIV, STD, Hepatitis)

Program Description:

This position provides an opportunity to work with a mobile outreach program that offers an array of harm reduction interventions including integrated screening for HIV/STD/HCV, assessments and referrals to support services including housing and medical services. This position is responsible for targeted case-finding activities aimed at identifying YMSM of color (more specifically black and Latino MSM ages 16-24) in need of Harlem United services via mobile outreach and HIV counseling testing services. Core duties include targeted outreach, education, and referrals to services through the implementation of testing readiness counseling, readiness counseling (individual) client risk assessments for both HIV-positive and negative clients.

Reports to: Director of New Business Development and Outreach Services – Community Health Services. Created on October 18, 2012.

All interested candidates should forward their cover letter and resume to:  Oscar Lopez, Program Director of New Business Development and Outreach Services at olopez@harlemunited.org

Essential Job Functions:

The following duties are mandatory requirements of the job:

• Recruit, train, supervise and support Outreach team activities.  Conduct supervision/training meetings with peer educators in conducting case-finding outreach activities as venues where homeless youth congregate.
• Assist in the planning, development and implementation of prevention initiatives, including campaigns, promotions, education materials and outreach strategies.
• Collect and compile data gained through outreach activities.
• Conduct targeted case-findings by conducting event-based outreach in venues – such as piers, parks, drop-in centers, and other locations where homeless and/or street-involved youth are known to reside or congregate three days per week.
• Provide integrated HIV/HCV/STI screenings and risk reduction counseling sessions to members of the MSM/ transgender communities regardless of risk history. Deliver test results and when necessary and conduct confirmatory tests on preliminary positive clients and refer those clients to our linkage to care program.
• Conduct individual educational and counseling encounters that are client-centered using readiness counseling (individual) client risk assessments for HIV-positive and testing readiness counseling for HIV-negative clients.
• Provide referrals for healthcare services, social support services, and housing services  must be provided to all HIV-positive clients with an identified need for such services
• Coordinate initial medical appointment for all HIV-positive individuals. Coordinate escort services to ensure client attendance at first two medical visits. Refer clients to ADAP program, COBRA case management, mental health and other services required by client.
• Counsel all HIV positive individuals on partner notification. Refer client to PCRS Counselor/Clinical Supervisor for short-term crisis counseling on issues related to living with HIV, disclosure, care, etc. Provide referral to NYCDOHMH CNAP as required.
• Maintain a strong knowledge of HIV/AIDS, including treatment information and developments that affect clients’ access to care.
• Maintain appropriate, accurate, and clear documentation of all client charts as well as updating the service plan with new client centered goals and accompanying progress notes.
• Develop and maintain working relationships with owners, managers, and staff of commercial establishments and venues within or serving the YMSM/ transgender communities
• Perform any other duties as assigned.
• Conduct data entry.
• Required to work weekends and evenings.
• Valid NYS Drivers License required.

Other Responsiblities:

The following duties are to be performed as assigned by the supervisor:

• Attend data driven and clinical supervision, as well as departmental, divisional and staff meetings.
• Ensure files are up to date and accurate; conduct periodic community surveys to ensure the program is following community trends.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree with 2 years related work experience.  A high school diploma and 5 years experience in outreach to members of the target population work will substitute for the Bachelors Degree. Experience in working with high-risk populations including YMSM or transgender homeless or street youth. Education can be substituted for work experience. Candidate should have experience facilitating support and risk reduction counseling groups.  Bilingual English/Spanish a plus.

Special Skills and Knowledge:

In addition to the above-listed job responsibilities and educational requirements, the ideal candidate for this position possesses most or all of the following:

• Basic to broad knowledge base about work with YMSM or transgender homeless or street youth and knowledge of and respect for the harm reduction model and its principals are essential.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; previous Counseling and Group Facilitation experience.
• Knowledge of health disparities and social factors that lead to increased HIV/AIDS risk and exposure among target population; specifically YMSM or transgender homeless or street youth.

All interested candidates should forward their cover letter and resume to:  Oscar Lopez, Program Director of New Business Development and Outreach Services at olopez@harlemunited.org

Last Updated on December 17, 2017 by HepFree NYC